Kentucky is one of four Commonwealths (along with Massachusetts, Pennsylvania and Virginia) and was part of Virginia until 1792, when Thomas Jefferson was secretary of state. It was the 15th state admitted to the Union. Today the Commonwealth is known more for the Kentucky Derby and Mint Juleps than for its heritage of Jeffersonian-inspired small government.
Introduction
The 2006 population was 4.2 million, the median of the states (25th of 50). Kentucky is more white than the nation on average: 90.2% white (80.1% nationally) and 7.5% black (12.8% nationally). It has a greater percentage of poor people than the national average (16.3% v 12.7%). In 2000, the rural population was 1.77 million (44%).
Registered Voters (2006): Democratic, 57.1%; Republican, 36.6%; Independent, 6.4%.
Registered Voters (2006): Democratic, 57.1%; Republican, 36.6%; Independent, 6.4%.
Presidential Politics
Kentucky has shifted Republican in the Presidential race in recent years, although for several decades state politics has been dominated by Democrats. Today it has a Democratic Governor, elected November 2007; his predecessor was a Republican.Kentucky has eight electoral votes.
- 2004: Bush (60%), Kerry (40%)
- 2004 - D Primary: Edwards (15%), Kerry (60%), Lieberman (5%), Uncommitted (9%)
- 2000: Bush (57%), Gore (41%)
- 1996: Clinton (46%), Dole (45%), Perot (9%)
- 1992: Clinton (45%), Bush (41%), Perot (14%)
Federal Representation
- Sen. Mitch McConnell (R)
- Sen. Jim Bunning (R)
State Government
- Gov. Steve Beshear (D). Elected: November 2007. Term expires: December 2011.
Economy
Kentucky is a leading coal mining state, like West Virginia. Its primary manufacturing sector is transportation (motor vehicles, motor vehicle parts) followed by chemical manufaturing.
The leading agricultural product is horses and mules, accounting for 28% of farm receipts. Next cattle and calves (15%), broilers (15%), corn (8.5%) and soybeans (8.1%). However, its leading agricultural export is tobacco; it ranks second in tobacco production.
The leading agricultural product is horses and mules, accounting for 28% of farm receipts. Next cattle and calves (15%), broilers (15%), corn (8.5%) and soybeans (8.1%). However, its leading agricultural export is tobacco; it ranks second in tobacco production.